Same old issue...can't find my CD Rom..

[Powerstroke2000]

I've posted before regarding this issue, and its becoming a real pain, and I'm one step closer to just taking it in to the shop...and let them deal with it!

My computer (P4 2.53 Ghz) 768 Megs Ram... shows both of my hard drives fine, my floppy (yes, I still have one) and a G-drive, which I assume is my USB connections?
BUT, both my CD Rom and CD Burner are missing, but will show up every now and again with a re-boot, but lately haven't been showing up at all....kind of like they will if and when the want to.
So, finding this "glitch" has been an ongoing battle, and one I would like to find the answer to at least... albeit someone did mention it could be in the "bios"?
That's something I don't intend to rectify myself..if that is it, as I don't feel comfortable in getting into the more delicate issues such as that personally.
Same as I don't feel comfortable in going into the registry...just me I guess.

But, touching, removing or installing hardware...no problem. If this is motherboard related, I'll have another installed (I've never delved into that before) but I would actually like to know what the problem IS before allowing someone to spend lots of time (and my hard earned $$) in going through a full blown test, taking many hours up.
Both the CD Rom AND CD burner work perfectly when the computer shows they are there...so I don't believe it's an issue with these two peripherals.
Whatever it is that tells the computer they are there...seems to be the issue.
I've made sure all the connections are tight and secure, and all seems fine in that regard.
Could it be overheating of a particular part of the computer...one of the cards etc.? I did take the side cover off the computer thinking this might be the case, thinking it would then cooler easier...but it's been off for a couple of weeks now, and it's back to it's old tricks of not showing these two devices.

Anyway...I'm hoping I can learn what this issue could be if someone has some insight as to what I might try! Any help/advice or comments would be much appreciated.

Thanks..

Dale

[doctorgonzo]

Did you try a new IDE cable? Have you tried disconnecting one drive at a time to see if that helps?

[TwoRails]

I've run into similar problems when one drive is acting up, it can mess up the other. I'd try running each drive separately, set as Master for long enough to verify if it works or not. Then try the other drive, individually, also set to Master. If one drive works and the other doesn't, then that is at least one problem.

[Nate Marciano]

If the ide cable is cable select make sure you have not selected master/slave and vice versa. Check your bios and make sure it sees them. Install Belarc Advisor and see what it reports about your computer and drives.

[Powerstroke2000]

Thanks for the advice on Belarc Advisor, as I have had it on my computer for a couple years now, but rarely check it.
I did just that, and everything is up to date...but it isn't showing either my CD Rom or CD burner. Hmmm.... I haven't a clue on how to check my BIOS, or if that is wise to do for the average computer owner?

Now, to "disconnect" each drive, would it be justified to just pull the wire off at the back of each unit? Is this the IDE cable you mention?

As for checking for master/slave, again, something I've never done, or know how to do?

If I can find out how to do this, I have no problem (if one is found to be inoperable) pulling it out, buying a new one and installing it.

Thanks very much for the advice so far!

Dale

[Powerstroke2000]

Quickly...I was positive that the last time I checked my computer, all the information was on one or two pages....whereas I got SEVEN pages of details this time around. Has Belarc Advisor upgraded so it gives more info, or is it just from how I've readjusted and added to this PC?

Thanks again..

Dale

[TwoRails]

Yes, in brief, pulling off the ribon connector would disconnect the drive. The master / slave setting is a jumper on the back of the drive. There should be the settings either etched or labeled on the drive; if not, the manual or maker's Web site should show you.

Also, check out this article:

http://www.pcmech.com/show/multimedia/82/

That should help some, too.